Public Statements

Hatch, Senate Colleagues Introduce National Right to Work Act

Press Release

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and seven Senate colleagues today introduced the National Right to Work Act, which would reduce workplace discrimination by protecting individuals from forced unionization.

Sponsored by Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), the legislation would protect the free choice of individuals to form, join or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities. Republicans who have joined Hatch as co-sponsors include, Sens. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and David Vitter (R-La.)

During the 111th Congress, all Senate Democrats united to vote against workers' rights but now they have a chance to protect American workers' freedom to choose.

"Facing a steady decline in membership, unions have turned to strong-arm political tactics to make forced unionization the default position of every American worker -- even if they don't want it," Hatch said. "This is simply unacceptable. At the very least, it should be the policy of the U.S. government to ensure that no employee will be forced to join a union in order to get or keep their job. The National Right to Work Act would do just that."

"No American should be forced to join a union and pay dues to get a job in this country," DeMint said. "Many Americans are already struggling just to put food on the table, and they shouldn't have to fear losing their jobs or face discrimination if they don't want to join a union. Forced-unionism shields unions from member accountability and has a detrimental effect on the economy. In states where companies are forced to hire only union workers, businesses have struggled to compete while they deal with counterproductive work rules."